"I've signed up for a two year deal, with a third year option," he said.

He'll join the Eels for three weeks of pre-season training in January, but the strapping young back-rower will complete his senior schooling at MSHS in 2008 before joining the Parramatta under 20 side the following year.

He'll also be part of the school's senior rugby league academy side in 2008, which he predicted could make the state and national finals.

MSHS teams were part of the inaugural Super 8s competition last season, featuring the top eight rugby league schools in the north, and O'Hanlon said the team benefited from the experience, reaching the semi-final.

"It was a good standard of competition and we were playing above our ages," he said.

"Next year I think we can make the state and national finals, we've just got to keep training hard and do the pre-season work, only we can do that."

Former Broncos front rower Peter Ryan, who is now defensive coach at the NRL club, attended the presentation night and earlier worked with coaches and players at a training session.

"He talked about discipline and was very impressed with the academy's success," academy coach Don Saunders said.

Friday 19 th October '07

COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN TO GET PARENTS TO 'PLAY BY THE RULES'Story By : Queensland Govt.
Television advertisements showing the affects that inappropriate sporting behaviour has on children will begin airing on televisions across Queensland.

Sport Minister Judy Spence today launched two Community Service Announcements, which promote the website 'Play by the Rules', supported by the Department of Sport and Recreation, Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commission, the Commissioner for Children and Young People and the Australian Sports Commission.

"Research has shown that many children feel pressured in sport and that inappropriate parental behaviour and verbal abuse is common," Ms Spence said.

"This campaign is a crucial tool to raise awareness in the community about unlawful and inappropriate behaviour and to promote the 'Play by the Rules' website, which provides vital on-line information for sporting clubs.

"Unfortunately we continue to witness inappropriate incidents at junior sporting matches, including violence, racism, verbal abuse and win-at-all-cost mentalities from coaches and parents, which can be very distressing for participants," Ms Spence said. "We have to make the community aware that this has to stop."

"That's why this campaign is so thought provoking because it asks the question, 'What would it be like if children pressured us the way we pressured them?"

"Our main message to parents is relax, sport is meant to be fun," Ms Spence said.

CEO of the Australian Sports Commission, Mark Peters, said the Community Service Announcements deliver excellent messages about parental behaviour at kids' junior sport matches.

"These advertisements cleverly reverse the child and parent roles and are designed to raise awareness and promote discussion about supportive and constructive behaviour in sport," Mr Peters said.

Acting Queensland Anti-Discrimination Commissioner, Neroli Holmes, said in the last 12 months the 'Play by the Rules' website has received 3.5 million hits, which demonstrates its value in the community.

"This website plays an important role in providing information and advice for sporting clubs about a range of serious issues including child protection, inappropriate touching of athletes, abuse of referees, abusive coaches and parents, racism and dealing with complaints," Ms Holmes said.

"I believe the message is starting to get out there and more than five thousand sporting clubs have registered to complete on-line-learning programs."

'Play by the Rules' is supported by the Queensland government's 'True Sport Lives Here' program, which helps local sporting clubs promote sportsmanship and good behaviour.

Rugby league legend, Steve Renouf, who is an ambassador for the True Sport program, said players and parents needed to clean up their acts.

"I believe it is important to be a good role model and lead by example. I have five children and would never pressure them to succeed or to follow in my footsteps," Steve said.

"I want them to play sport because of their love for the game, which is why I was successful."

HOW MANY: 13 per TEAM (on the field) NO MAXIMUM.
If girls would like to play from a school not competing as a team they must have written
consent from their school of enrolment.
.COST : $10 per team (to cover awards)
WHY: TO GIVE GIRLS THE CHANCE TO PLAY IN A COMPETITIVE TACKLE
RUGBY LEAGUE GALA DAY

SCHOOLBOY LINES UP FOR TEST AGAINST NZStory By :
BOOM Mackay youngster Ryan Williamson is set to be pitched into the game of his life in Auckland today.

The promising 17-year-old is likely to be cast into the fray of a trans-Tasman test when Australia's open schoolboys side collides with their New Zealand adversaries at Mt Smart Stadium.

"They're physically bigger, physically stronger and we have to give them as much respect as we can," Williamson said from New Zealand yesterday.

"We'll be faster around the ruck, and we'll play the whole game," he said.

"Sometimes the Kiwis tire out a bit."

A bullocking back-rower for school side St Patrick's College, Williamson was used on the wing for the Queensland open schoolboys side at the recent national championships in Townsville.

He also starred for the Queensland under 17 team in a State of Origin curtain-raiser against New South Wales in June.

Contracted to the Sydney Roosters, Williamson has been highly touted as a rugby league star in the making, impressing many pundits with his hard-running.

His ability to break the defensive line and find ways to the try-line have him clearly marked as a NRL player of the future and Australian manager Stephen Duclos admitted the talented three-quarter was likely to be included in the team"s run-on side today.

"I'd say with a fair bit of confidence that Ryan will be named in the starting team; he played very well the other day," he said.

Indeed, Williamson was in the thick of the action when the Simon Huntly-coached team defeated an Auckland academy side 26-10.

Williamson scored three times, including a superb solo 70m effort.

And Duclos predicted the Australians to be fully prepared for their two-Test series against New Zealand.

This year it is proposed to have an Interschool Rugby League Competition open to the Catholic Schools within our Diocese. The proposed date is the 21st of September, last day of term 3 at Mann Street Junior Rugby League Grounds with a kick off time of 10:00am and concluding at 2:00pm.

The day will be sponsored by Cairns Brothers Junior Rugby League Club and heavily supported by our ARL Development officer, Tony Quinn; and our QRL Development Officer, Peter Narducci.

Depending upon interest, the day will consist of two pools and a cross pool winner game to compete for the inaugural Jim Graham Cup. It is hoped that this carnival will become an annual event that all junior rugby league players within our schools will look forward to.

Please find an attached team nomination sheet for the day. This nomination sheet needs to be faxed or emailed back to me by Tuesday the 29th of August. My email address is olhocpe@olhoc.qld.edu.au and the school fax no. is 40542426.

Looking forward to hearing from you, to enable us to create an enjoyable annual inter-diocese event.

Yours in Sport, Nathan Findlay.
Head of Sport.

MONDAY 20 th August '07

PALM BEACH IS NOT THE ONLY TALK OF THE TOWN ON THE COAST.Story By : Tony Proud

Keebra Park under 13s were crowned the Steve Renouf Shield Champions for 2007 downing Wavell 15-14 with a field goal in the final 2 minutes to win the game.

The future of our game is in great hands with 9 boys collectively from both sides are part of the Broncos Elite Development program, hence what a game it was.

Redcliffe did do well but was beaten by Wavel in the semis and Keebra beat Marsden in the semis.

Both played at Suncorp which was a huge experience for the boys as they were the game between the Arrive alive cup and main game which meant there was a crowd of around 30,000 - 40,000 people there watching them.

Yeah none of the big guns from the past few season are there ah but same as you we had a few younger kids in the senior team as well so the future rivalry is looking good.

SUNDAY 19 TH AUGUST '07

EX-PUPIL SATTLER HELPS UNDER-14 FINALS SIDE
Story By :
COOMBABAH STATE High School knew just who to call on to prepare their under-14 team for the state rugby league final of the Michael Hancock Cup.

Former student Scott Sattler, an ex-Origin player and current football manager of the Gold Coast Titans, put the youngsters through some drills yesterday ahead of tomorrow week's showdown with Palm Beach Currumbin.

"It's fantastic to have someone of Scott's experience come down and do some work with the boys," said Rod Pryor, who heads the rugby league program at Coombabah.

"Scott has helped us out numerous times in recent years."

Coombabah lost just two of their 10 games leading up to the final -- against Mountain Creek and Keebra. They reversed the Mountain Creek loss during the semis knockouts.

JUNIOR 'TITANS' RULEStory By " goldcaost.com.au
THEY'RE number one in Queensland -- and the grins couldn't be broader. The future of rugby league on the Gold Coast looks to be in safe hands, with Palm Beach Currumbin storming over the opposition last night to be crowned Queensland schoolboy champions.

Fielding a side mostly made up of Titans-contracted juniors, PBC won the state title for the sixth time since 1991 after registering a dominant 30-6 victory over St Brendan's College Yeppoon at Suncorp Stadium.

The win means PBC goes through to the national semi-finals of the Arrive Alive Cup schoolboy competition and has provided the perfect opening to a bumper weekend of rugby league on the Gold Coast, with the Titans aiming to keep their finals dream alive against the Sydney Roosters at Gold Coast Stadium tomorrow.

That match marks the Titans' final home game of the year and the last to be played at Carrara Stadium before the NRL newcomers move to their permanent base at Skilled Park, Robina, next year.

With the Titans already proving they deserve to be on the big stage during a successful debut season this year, the future of the region's rugby league team also appears in safe hands, with PBC on the verge of clinching their second national schoolboy title.

PBC will now meet the winner of the clash between Patrician Brothers College, Blacktown and St Dominic's College, Penrith, in the national semi-final at Dairy Farmers Stadium on Friday, August 31.

Long-time PBC coach Rod Patison, who led the renowned Gold Coast rugby league nursery to their first national schoolboy title in 2001, said last night's win -- played in the curtain-raiser to the Broncos-Bulldogs game -- highlighted the importance of the Titans' existence in the NRL. Twelve of the 17 players who took the field last night were contracted to the Titans.

"This further underlines the great future that the Gold Coast has because almost all of these kids are Titans boys and on some sort of Titans scholarship," he said.

"They're going to have an opportunity to pursue a pathway without leaving the Gold Coast. It's exciting times for the Gold Coast and the Titans have got some great young kids. It's a really great introduction to kids who may become NRL footballers."

With the national semi-final to be played in Townsville in a fortnight, Patison said his side would have to keep their heads down before flying to North Queensland.

"We've just got to make as much progress as we can in the next couple of weeks and do a good job of representing Queensland," he said. "It's a real step up again when you play the NSW end of the draw.

"If we improve a bit on the next fortnight we're nicely placed to make a good challenge."

Two tries from centre Anthony Flores helped seal the win.

Saturday 18 th August '07

VICTORIOUS UNDER 15 HAVE DEPTHStory By :
THE reputation of Mackay State High School's rugby league academy rose another notch yesterday when its under 15 side dominated the final of the North Queensland Cowboys Challenge.

Mackay made a lightning start to the final against Cairns State High School at Townsville, leading 18-0 after 15 minutes before running out 28-8 winners.

"They played well right across the park," coach Don McDermid said.

"They stuck to their game plan in attack and had a really good completion rate. There were only three dropped balls in the whole game."

Former Cowboys star Peter Jones named lock Daniel Simpson as man of the match, and McDermid singled out other players, including centre Rogan Dean, halves Dylan Smith and Leon Curry and fullback Buchanan Rawhitti.

"One of the best things for us is that three of the six forwards in this side are 14, and have another year in under 15s," McDermid said.

"We've got great depth in our teams."

The MSHS open team reached the northern division final of the Arrive Alive Cup this season, and with strong depth in the other teams the academy is building a reputation to rival other schools in the north.

The school's under 14 side beat Townsville's Kirwan high recently, and the Year 8 team won the local competition.

"We get lots of comments from the public about how professional they are.

"They got out of the bus, warmed up for 10 minutes and were 18-0 ahead after 15 minutes.

ARRIVE ALIVE CUP STATE FINAL Story By : QRL
GOLD Coast school Palm Beach Currumbin has won the Queensland final of the Arrive Alive Cup for a sixth time under coach Rod Patison, defeating St Brendan’s Yeppoon 30-6 at Suncorp Stadium.

Led masterfully by Australian Schoolboys forward Kevin Proctor, PBC was never headed after a tight opening period.

While centre Anthony Flores scored two tries and fullback Jordan Rapana was the official Man of the Match, it was Proctor who did the destroying and put the game in the bag.

In a sequence of play that drew comparisons with Sonny Bill Williams, midway threw the second half the rangy teen smashed into a trio of defenders, held the ball high with one hand and tipped a spectacular pass to the flying Flores.

Proctor then added another try shortly after to blow a 14-0 advantage out to an unassailable 24-0.

After bravely fighting through a succession of qualifiers, involving lengthy travel, St Brendan’s Yeppoon struggled to match the likes of Proctor and 122kg prop Ronnie Alovili in the middle.

The Central Queensland outfit was also thwarted through a lack of cohesion when close to the line and did not score its first try until 10 minutes before the final siren, with lock Tom Iles crossing.

There was no doubting the fighting qualities of St Brendan’s however, exemplified by a play in the first half when PBC half Kayne Lawton looked set to score from an eye-catching sideline movement.

Lawton was over the tryline and bringing the ball around beneath the posts when the St Brendan’s defence swooped in and punched the ball from his grasp, leaving the young playmaker red faced.

But PBC would not be denied and neither would Lawton, making amends with a try in the second half.

The first Queensland school to ever win the national title, in 2001, Palm Beach Currumbin has now progressed to this year’s national semi finals.

Either Patrician Brothers Blacktown or St Dominic’s will be their opponents on Friday, August 31 at Dairy Farmers Stadium.

New South Wales teams have won the last four Arrive Alive Cup national titles, though three-time successive winner Endeavour State High was a shock elimination this week.

MAN' MOUNTAIN PRIMED FOR FINALStory By : QRL
GET out to Suncorp Stadium on Friday evening and watch one of the biggest blokes in rugby league. Not in the main game between the Broncos and Bulldogs – in the Arrive Alive Cup State final.

There’s no two ways about it. Palm Beach Currumbin prop Ronnie Alovili is a giant of a kid, jumping on the scales at a mighty 122kg.

What’s even scarier, he’s trimmed down 11kg this year and is one of the five quickest in the PBC team over 40m.

Charged with stopping the man mountain in the Queensland final is St Brendan’s College Yeppoon, a team not foreign to carrying its own share of big boppers.

Indeed it will be a case of the shoe being on the other foot this year. In 2006 St Brendan’s contested the Arrive Alive Cup State final with Brisbane Broncos colossus David Taylor at the helm.

While there are plenty of talented players on both teams this year – Ben Hunt, Ben Ridge and Kevin Proctor are all Australian Schoolboys reps – it will be hard for spectators to ignore Alovili.

“I’ve probably only ever coached one kid that came close to Ronnie’s size,” says Rod Patison, PBC’s coach for almost two decades.

“He’s had to work very hard and his progress is a credit to him. He arrived here with very little experience of structured training, but with a lot of athleticism and raw ability.

“It is interesting training such a big guy. We’ve had him rowing, swimming and cycling just to vary things and keep him off his legs.”

Carrying a reputation as a wild child before he switched to Palm Beach Currumbin, Alovili was known more for his judicial record than his training ethic.

There are even stories of him hiding under trees to avoid conditioning sessions.

But Patison believes those days are well behind Alovili and the young buck is making advances in all areas of his life.

“I’m happy the way he’s come along. There’s a lot he has learnt and even more still to learn,” says Patison.

“I believe the better a kid is positioned off the field, the better he’ll be on the field. And Ronnie has used football as a lever to get more involved in his schoolwork, which is particularly pleasing.”

St Brendan’s five-eighth Matt Minto earned acclaim earlier this season, scoring 50 points from six tries and 13 goals (from 13 attempts) in a match for Rockhampton club All Blacks. The nephew of NRL player Scott Minto, he has been signed by the Penrith Panthers

Should Palm Beach triumph in the Queensland final, it will be the school’s sixth Queensland title during Patison’s reign.

The winner of this week’s State final will progress to a national semi final on Friday, August 31 at Dairy Farmers Stadium, Thuringowa.

Wednesday 15 th August '07

LITTLE 'UNS KEEP BALL ROLLINGStory By :
ALL that glitters is not gold…it’s Maroon! Queensland’s primary school kids kept a remarkable year rolling for the Sunshine State, winning the APSRL National Under 12 Exchange on Sunday.

After defeating New South Wales Blue 22-12 in the final, coach Greg Stanley called his young troops ‘fantastic ambassadors for rugby league’.

The Queenslanders had been beaten 16-6 by NSW Blue in qualifying, but bounced back with a composed performance in the decider.

“It was close on the scoreboard at 16-12 for a while there, but I always felt we were in the driver’s seat,” Stanley said.

“It was a great effort over the course of the week. There was a lot of sickness in the camp and at least one kid was missing each day with the flu, but they stuck at it.

“They improved every day and that was the aim. Little steps, using each game to get where we wanted to be”

Stanley said his squad started out ‘complete strangers’, having been brought together from all corners of the State.

But an induction in the spirit of Queensland and a jersey presentation from former State of Origin player Mat Rogers helped the team peak at just the right time.

“We didn’t let them play trial matches in Maroon, only when the titles got underway. We stressed what a difference it is being able to wear that jersey,” Stanley said.

“We told them, ‘You’re no longer the standout player in your club. The people inside and outside of you are the best in Queensland. They can throw long passes that will hit you on the chest 99 per cent of the time.’ It took them a while to appreciate that fact and play accordingly.”

“They were reminded they were special and meant something and I can’t talk highly enough of their behaviour and the way they represented Queensland. They wore white shirts and ties everywhere, which is unfamiliar for some boys, but they received a lot of positive comments.”

St Brendan's College lock Tom Iles busts through two Mackay State High School defenders

ST BRENDANS MAKE STATE FINALStory & Photo By :

ST BRENDAN'S College has booked itself a place in the Arrive Alive Cup state final next week with an emphatic victory over Mackay State High in Rockhampton yesterday.

The Yeppoon powerhouse got off to a sluggish start in the first half but came out firing in the second half to race away to a 28-8 win in the northern division grand final.

In front of a loud and supportive local crowd, it was Mackay who drew first blood, scoring out wide through winger Dylan Sadd in the seventh minute to post first points.

PHOTO: St Peter Claver's Filemoni Salivoau makes a run in the Year 9 final against Centenary.

IPSWICH SECONDARY SCHOOLS GRAND FINALStory & Photo By :
PLAYERS from St Peter Claver and Ipswich State High School received receptions usually reserved for rock stars when they ran out on to QLD Group Stadium for the grand final clash.

Supporters from both schools lined the players' race to cheer their teams on to the field in Wednesday's league final.

The huge support created a fantastic atmosphere for the Struddy's Cup league decider.

Ipswich State High School skipper Andrew Beckman was one of many players who clearly enjoyed the occasion.

Beckman bounced his way on to the park and encouraged his team-mates before kick-off.

But once the match was underway, it was the St Peter Claver College team which whipped its fans into a frenzy.

St Peter Claver opened the scoring in the fifth minute with a slick backline movement that resulted in a try in the corner.

Once in front, St Peter Claver never surrendered its lead on its way to a well-deserved 16-6 victory.

Footy success: St Joseph’s Primary School open rugby league team have made it to the fourth round of the Catholic and Independant Schools Challenge

JOEY'S FOOTY BOYS TACKLE TAREE IN CLOSE ENCOUNTER Story & Photo By :
THE Macleay is a great breeding ground for football players and school teams continue to taste success on the field.

St Joseph's Primary School's Open Rugby League team travelled to Taree last week to contest the third round of the Catholic and Independent Schools Rugby League Challenge.

Previous trips to St Joseph's Taree were more of a football lesson than success, so this trip was cautiously optimistic.

However, the team looked forward to going there because of Taree's reputation.

Both sides were very determined with solid hit ups and bruising defence.

Five minutes into the game Macky Lawrence scored for Kempsey.The conversion was missed.

Before the first-half was over Taree scored, missed the conversion, making it 4-4.

Injuries were taking their toll on both sides with several players going down hurt or being replaced for a spell.

After half-time, Kempsey were rejuvenated and soon after Jack Rae went in out wide to take the lead to 8-4.

Taree fought their way back, however, after a period of bruising play and scored from dummy-half near the uprights.

The conversion attempt hit the post, so at full time the game was locked at 8-8.

Extra time was needed to break the deadlock.

Both sides, although very tired by this time, showed courageous defence to keep all attacking raids out.

After many close calls and desperate passes the full-time hooter sounded with the score still deadlocked.

Kempsey were declared the winners as they were the first try scorers.

They now move on to the next round with the opposition to be decided.

The team would like to thank Mustangs player Paul Owens, for his hard work and support as coach.

Friday 10 th August '07

Wavell 15s in action against Palm Beach during the Qualifying rounds

ROLL INTO RENOUF SHIELD FINAL

The Wavell High Year 8 Red Rugby League Team booked themselves a trip to Suncorp Stadium for the Final of the Steve Renouf Shield with an impressive 32 to 6 point win over Redcliffe at Shawsportz on Tuesday the 7th of August.

Trailing at half time to the Peninsula team the Wavell boys played some impressive football in the back end of the game to book themselves a rematch with Keebra Park in the Final to be played at Suncorp Stadium on Friday the 17th of August at 5:45pm as the curtain raiser to Broncos v Bulldogs clash.

Coaches Michael Whalley and Michael Taylor were happy with the solid effort by all the boys with man of the match honors going to Chris Frost (pictured Vs Palm Beach).

PBC Vs ST. BRENDAN'S QLD ARRIVE ALIVE CUP GRAND FINALStory By : QRL Media
PALM Beach Currumbin has booked a date with St Brendan’s Yeppoon in next Friday’s Queensland final of the Arrive Alive Cup schoolboys rugby league competition, after both teams came from behind at halftime to win their sudden-death semis.

Suncorp Stadium will be the grand stage for the decider, played at 4.30pm on August 17, prior to the Brisbane Broncos v Bulldogs NRL clash.

The biggest shock of the semis was Palm Beach’s 14-6 win against arch rival and defending State champion Keebra Park, recovering from a 6-0 deficit before a bumper crowd at Pizzey Park.

Favourites to win a third straight Queensland title, Keebra Park’s young players were inconsolable on fulltime,
collapsing onto the turf and burying their heads into their hands.

The emotion invested in the prestigious competition was also evident in the northern semi at Rockhampton, where St Brendan’s ended Mackay State High’s fairytale run with a 28-8 win at Browne Park.

Rank outsiders, Mackay led 8-6 at halftime with a completion rate close to 100 per cent.

St Brendan’s snuck back in front to lead 10-8 with 15 minutes remaining, before piling on three converted tries in the final minutes to run away with the contest.

A scrum win against the feed, 30m out from Mackay’s line, proved crucial in St Brendan’s win, leading to the game-sealing try.

Just as one semi came to a close, the other kicked off on the Gold Coast, pitting two of the Cup’s most successful teams head-to-head in yet another contest of great intensity.

The tackles were hard, schoolmates bookmarked every big hit with sound effects and no mistake passed sympathetically by the opposition.

Keebra had the early advantage in territory and possession and subsequently half Sioeli Makaui was first to cross the stripe. Two plays after he had almost set up a try to the left, he came back infield and plunged over next to the posts.

Only weeks back from an arthroscopy on his left knee, Australian Schoolboys forward and Manly signing Kenny Edwards courageously came off the bench for Keebra and was unlucky not to score straight away.

Yet despite dominating the opening stanza, the 2005-06 national finalists led by just two points at the break. With 40 seconds to halftime, PBC star Kevin Proctor thrust aside a defender out wide and scooped a pass for Anthony Flores to score.

The second half began with more big hits, including an absolute bell-ringer by Palm Beach’s Theo Stuart on Keebra Park spearhead Kyle Bos.

But the emphasis on defence across the paddock wasn’t as great as in the opening stanza – or indeed previous years – and some slick attacking football came to the fore.

With 12 minutes remaining Kevin Pease ran a great line onto a Kayne Lawton pass, romping over for a 10-6 lead with the conversion from Jordan Rapana.

Pease, recently signed by Cronulla, later left the field with what looked a recurrence of a shoulder injury, hitting the dirt hard after a slick inside ball to Rapana.

Desperate Keebra went close several times in the last 10 minutes to stealing a try, only to be denied by inches on each occasion.

Ultimately the try to clinch the game came from centre Luke Dumas, following busts on successive tackles by Lawton and the monsterous Ronnie Alovili.

Dumas had plenty of work to do on his own, sprinting down the sideline, shimmying and then wrestling off the fullback and skipping away again.

The Willows State School are
ARL Foundation Cup NQ
final Winners for Les Stagg competition

Thursday 02 nd August '07

MACKAY HIGH FACES TOUGH ASSIGNMENTStory By :
MACKAY State High's open schoolboys side faced an acid test yesterday when they confront Super 8 champions Ignatius Park College at the Junior Rugby League Grounds.

After disposing of Mackay adversaries St Patrick's College 32-6 in the quarter-finals, MSHS will confront the division's most highly-rated team in an Arrive Alive Cup North Queensland semi-final.

Ignatius Park finished first in the Super 8 series, involving the top school sides from North Queensland, after defeating cross-town rival Kirwan State High 1-0 in a gripping final played in atrocious conditions.

The dangerous Townsville outfit then took apart Bowen State High 30-6 in the first knock-out round of the Arrive Alive Cup.

But MSHS's head coach Don Saunders reckons his team is a fair chance to upset the northern rivals. "If they don't turn up to play we're going to get them," he said.

"We're not going into it with any pressure on us at all.

"The boys have got plenty of confidence and motivation and they're on a bit of a roll at the moment."

It's been a while since his side last experienced the sour taste of defeat, which was an 18-point loss to Kirwan on May 8.

And Saunders believes he's got the troops to muster a courageous victory. With Queensland Open Schoolboy representative Pat O'Hanlon and Queensland under 17 centre Steve Eliott in their ranks, MSHS could prove a handful for the renowned Ignatius Park defence.

But the Townsville side boasts several stars of their own, including young sensation Ray Thompson.

The deceptive halfback has played for the Young Guns this season.

Chris Faust, a bustling back-rower from Proserpine will also be one to watch out for.

Saunders, who is confident in his side's offensive abilities, said he hoped they would construct a brick wall on their own line to keep Ignatius Park at bay.

"We defended really well against St Pat's and we know that if we can do that again, the attack will look after itself," he said.

Flyer Bevan Healy is set to miss the vital clash with a shoulder injury while there are a few players battling to be fit in time for the 5.30pm match.

It will be preceded by the other semi-final between Kirwan State High and Confraternity Shield champions St Brendan's College (Yeppoon).

Kirwan State High is coming off a 26-12 victory over Woree State High (Cairns) while St Brendan's loom as the team to beat after thrashing Abergowrie College (Ingham) 50-0. q Arrive Alive Cup North Queensland semi-finals at Mackay JRL Grounds today: Kirwan State High v St Brendan's at 4.30pm, Ignatius Park College v Mackay State High at 5.30pm.

QUEENSLAND ARRIVE ALIVE CUP FINALS

Saturday 28 th July '07

ST PAT'S HANDED FOOTBALL LESSONStory By :
ST PATRICK'S College's rugby league season came to an abrupt end after the school's open side was humbled 32-6 by nemesis Mackay State High on Wednesday night.

The traditional rugby league giants were out-gunned in the Mackay Secondary Schools grand final which doubled as a North Queensland Arrive Alive Cup quarter-final.

The school's rugby league co-ordinator Kevin Blakey admitted "we got smashed", and lamented his team's disappointing run this season.

"I'm a bit lost for words," he said after the side slumped to yet another loss.

"We needed a lot more effort at training. There are some good players in the team but they weren't playing as a team."

Despite showing some promising signs against glamour sides St Brendan's, Kirwan State High and St Augustine's, they experienced a largely unsuccessful campaign this year.

St Patrick's was beaten by the rapidly emerging force of Mackay State High School (MSHS) in May and bowed out in the group stage of the Confraternity Shield in June.

ARRIVE ALIVE COMES TO POINTY ENDStory By : QRL Media Photo By :
NEXT Wednesday cramming for finals will be on in earnest as the Queensland quarters of the Arrive Alive Cup are held all over the State. Latest results and draw enclosed.

The date of August 1 will be make-or-break for eight heavyweight schools, including last year’s State champion Keebra Park and 2007 Confraternity Shield winner St Brendan’s Yeppoon.

All eight will be gunning for a place in the Queensland final at Suncorp Stadium on Friday, August 17. The winner of that match will be guaranteed automatic qualification to the semi-finals of the national Arrive Alive Cup.

In the southern section of the Queensland draw the remaining teams are state high schools Keebra Park, Redcliffe, Wavell and Palm Beach Currumbin.

The northern part of the draw has a mixture of private and public schools, with Ignatius Park College and St Brendan’s Yeppoon facing off against Mackay State High and Kirwan State High.

The Presentations were presented by some Rugby League Legends including Mr. Terry Hayes

MDSSRL Finals 2007
Mackay High Rugby League Academy Fill Trophy Cabinet Story & Photo's :
Mackay and District Secondary Schools Rugby League Finals were completed at the Mackay JRL on Wednesday nights in all age groups and divisions.

The Mackay State High Schools Rugby League Academy was the big winner on the night taking out four of the five shields on offer including the prestigious Terry Hayes Shield for the district division one open champions.

This game was also being played as an Arrive Alive Cup game with the winner moving through to a state quarter final spot against Townsville’s Ignatius Park College.

Ben Buchloz thanks Mr. Mick Aprile

The finals began with an Under 15 Division Two game between two country schools, Sarina High and Moranbah High.

Although Moranbah had finished on top of the table, beating Sarina High in their last encounter, the Sarina Boys continued their impressive finals form defeating Moranbah High in convincing fashion 32 – 8 to win the inaugural match for the Mick Aprile Shield presented by Mick.

Sarina High dominated throughout the contest with eventual Cowboys player of the match Ben Bucholz providing another strong performance while leading his team to victory.

Mackay High began the finals full of running with the Year 8 first team overpowering Holy Spirit College 42 – 0 in a dominant display.

Although HSC lifted their performance noticeably in the second half they had few answers to Mackay High’s powerful ball runners and swarming defence.

Cowboy’s player of the match for the winning team was hard running forward Kelton Dorante while for HSC Ben Alexander was rewarded as their best on field.

In the Open Division Two final for the Col Grosskreutz Shield, top of the table Mackay High clashed with Sarina High in a hard fought match that boiled over on several occasions.

Captain Byron Mooney Blazer winner with Alf

The Mackay High team strengthened with the inclusion of two English Rugby League exchange students encountered a fired-up Sarina team that toiled hard all the way to the final whistle.

The final Score line of 18 – 16 reflected the tight contest and the defensive commitment of both teams. Sarina players Ben Bucholz, Kris Zurvas and Kile Schuler all made impressive appearances.

Col was out of Mackay for the game but was represented by his two sons Jason and Brett at the presentation.

In the first of the division one finals for the Under 15 Booker Primrose Shield a combined Mirani High and Pioneer High team took on a Mackay High Team eager for redemption after a lack lustre 20 all draw at their last meeting. Mackay High applied consistent pressure on their opposition throughout the contest to close out the match 28 – 16... Learn More & See more photo's

ST PATRICK'S OUT TO GRAB REVENGEStory By :
MACKAY State High's open schoolboys side will be determined to rub salt into the wounds of traditional adversaries St Patrick's College when the two sides clash for the Terry Hayes Shield at the Junior Rugby League Grounds tonight.

The South Mackay side got the better of their cross-town rivals last time they collided, claiming a gutsy victory in round one of the Super 8s series in May.

For Mackay State High, the 20-16 win was the catalyst for a successful season foray.

"We played a great game against them last time and it laid the platform for our Super 8 competition," head coach Don Saunders said after his team's impressive run in the coveted North Queensland series.

But Saunders said his troops would not be using their last hit-out against St Patrick's as motivation for another big effort this time around and he expects the inner-city side to pose a stern challenge.

"A lot of water has passed under the bridge since then," he said. "It's been a long season and both teams have played plenty of games and had their fair share of injuries."

Tonight's Mackay District Secondary Schools grand final doubles as a North Queensland Arrive Alive Cup quarter-final.. Learn More

Friday 20 th July '07

CRUNCH TIME FOR MACKAY SCHOOLSStory By : Bill Esau
All Mackay District Secondary Schools Rugby League semi-final games were competed at the JRL and Abbott Park grounds last night to confirm the finalists in all divisions.

In the Year 8 division Mackay SHS and Holy Spirit College will play off for the Mick Shew Shield after Mackay High 1 defeated Mercy College and HSC defeated Sarina High.

In the Under 15 Division 2 competition the finalists will be Moranbah High and Sarina High as Moranbah scraped home against a hard charging Mackay North High team.

In a fascinating contest that went into ‘golden point’ extra time with the teams locked at 8 all, Moranbah High scrambled home following a scoreless extra period, taking the honours by being the first team to score in the game.

Try scorers for Mackay North were Trent Bell and Chris Tattersall with Moranbah High’s Cohen Crispin and Cody McLean crossing the line.

In the other U/15 Division 2 match Sarina High ( Bill Green, Jake Wyper 2, David Jorgensen, Ryan Clark, Ben Bucholz 2) overwhelmed the young Mackay High 2 team with a 38 – 8 victory.

The Division 2 Open final will be played between Mackay High 2 and Sarina High. Mackay High 2 were full of running in their 50 – 0 win over Mackay North High.

In the win Assan Munro, Andrew Pannowitz and Richard Kay scored doubles and two of Mackay High’s three 16 year old English Rugby League exchange students, Luke Saunders at hooker and Lee Brickwood playing in the centres had impressive games.

A very willing contest was witnessed in the other open semi with Sarina High finishing better to record a 28 – 20 victory over Mirani High.

u/15 Sarina High player Ben Bucholz proved to be the difference between the two sides backing up the the older age group to score the match winning try and goal.

Dean Sliwa, Kyle Schuler, Kris Zurvas, Curtis Smith also registered points for Sarina High. Next Wednesday night will also see the final Super 8 matches between the Combined Mirani and Pioneer High team and Mackay High 1 in under 15, playing for the Mick Shew Shield, and St Patrick’s College and Mackay High’s Open firsts playing for the Terry Hayes Shield.

Close contests are expected between these teams, the last time they met Mackay High Opens recorded a narrow win over St Pat’s and the U/15 match concluded in a hard fought draw.

Wednesday 18 th July '07

Mackay SHS star Patrick O'Hanlon

SCHOOLBOY HAS MADE THE GRADE
Story By :
AUSTRALIAN Schoolboy Ryan Williamson has had a taste of playing for and against the best of the best, and can't wait for more.

Williamson, 17, one of nine Queenslanders named in the Australian side for a three-match series against the Junior Kiwis in New Zealand in September, is looking forward to the tour and to linking up with NRL club Sydney Roosters at the end of the year.

The St Patrick's College product scored two tries playing on the wing for Queensland in the Australian secondary schools championship in Townsville last week.

But he was disappointed that the side allowed arch rivals NSW to come back and win the final 20-18 on Saturday.

"We were leading 18-4 at half- time," Williamson said yesterday.

"I guess at that stage everyone was thinking about after the game, maybe we just eased up a bit.

"They got one try and got their tail wagging, and scored a few more."

Williamson said he enjoyed the experience of playing in the secondary schools championship, and was honoured to be named in the Australian Schoolboys side Mackay's first since former Broncos halfback Brett Seymour.

"Playing in the championship was like the best against the best, it was quick and hard.

Patrick O'Hanlon with David Faiumu of the Nth QLD Cowboys

"Just about everyone at that level is contracted to NRL clubs. Being in the Australian side is regarded as a stepping stone to the NRL."

Contracted to the Roosters, Williamson plans to leave Mackay for Sydney in November and said he would probably be playing in the new national under 20s competition next season.

After losing the traditional test between NSW and Queensland played in Mackay recently, the Maroons were fired up for the championships.

They opened with a 24-10 defeat of NSW, followed by wins over NSW Combined Catholic Schools (40-16) and Affiliated States (44-6), but were pipped in the final.

CITY HOSTS ORIGIN SEQUEL
Story By :
STATE of Origin rivalry goes live at the JRL grounds tonight.

Following on Origin III at Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane last night, the Maroons and Blues square up again in the traditional annual test match between Queensland and NSW open schoolboys sides, ahead of the national schools championships in Townsville next week.

Both sides are filled with players headed for the NRL and the match is sure to carry the same intense rivalry as the annual Origin series, coaches and players agreed yesterday. Ryan Williamson, 18, who will play on the right wing, is the only Mackay player in the Queensland side.

Former Mackay JRL player Chris Faust, now with Kirwan High, Townsville, is also in the squad.

"I don't mind, I'm happy to get a spot on the Queensland team anywhere," the St Patrick's College student said at a mayoral welcome for the teams at the Mackay Entertainment Centre yesterday.

"It means a lot to put on a Queensland jumper and run out on the field.

"For anyone who gets to put on a Blues or Maroons jumper, it's the same."

Williamson predicted a fast and tough match between Queensland, the defending national champions, and their traditional rivals.

"NSW have a lot of fast and experienced blokes; they play regularly at a higher level than us.

"Even with the Super 8s (schoolboys competition) we don't play that every week. They play every week and they train every day."

Like most of the players in the two sides, Williamson will set his sights on the NRL, joining Sydney City Roosters at the end of this year.

NSW fullback Lachlan Coote, who is set to link with Penrith, said many of the Blues had played together before, and would be looking to do well tonight to impress selectors.

"Hopefully, I can play well, every other player will be looking to do that," he said.

Barlow, in his second year as Queensland coach, led Queensland to an undefeated victory in last year's national championships at Port Macquarie, when the test match was played in the town of Bellingen.

"We had selection trials a month ago and I couldn't be happier with the 20 players that the selectors picked," he said.

NSW coach Peter Denham, of Coffs Harbour, said his side was very balanced right across the paddock.

"I expect Queensland to come out at us at 100 miles per hour," he said.

"Hopefully, we'll be up to the challenge."

The match kicks off at 6.30pm, preceded by curtain-raisers between Rockhampton Combined High Schools and Mackay State High School Year 8s at 4.30pm and Year 9s at 5.30pm.

KEEBRA PARK WIN STRUDDY'S CHALLENGEStory By : Darren Hart Keebra Park SHS
On what can only be described as a very, very, very, slightly chilly night at Langlands Park (Easts Brisbane) on Wednesday night, the Keebra Park Open B side went head to head with arch rivals PBC in the Struddy’s Challenge Grand Final.

As the ice flows floated past and penguins headed to the Leagues Club for a Roast dinner the game kicked off with Keebra making the early running.

Against the play PBC took an early lead and converted to lead 6-0.

This lead was however levelled when Garrick Olislagers hit a hole and latched onto a well timed pass that saw him rocket over the line.

With PBC scoring again just before the half time siren the boys went into the sheds at 12-6 down but confident that with a bit of patience they would turn things around.

The second half saw Keebra hit back with converted tries to Corey Norman and another to Garrick Olislagers that set up a final quarter with Keebra 18-12 in front.. Learn More

The 2007Queensland Under 15 Maroon Rugby League Team (Photo : ourfooty media)

QUEENSLANDERS FINALLY GET ON THE TRAINING PADDOCKStory & Photo's By :
The sun was shining in Sydney on Thursday, much to the delight of the visiting Queensland Under 15's teams.

This was the 1st opportunity these Queensland boys have had to train out doors since they arrived in Sydney's NSWRL Academy of Sport.

Mackay High School Rugby League Academy Head Coach and Queensland Under 15's coach Don Saunders took the boys to the Narrabeen Sharks oval to lightly train and stretch away last night successful practice match against the NSW Combined High School Under 15's.

The Queenslanders fly off to Adeliade at 10:00 Friday morning to compete in the Australian Secondary Schoolboys Rugby League Under 15's Chmpionships which begin on Sunday.

Queensland have broken with tradition this year and have sent 2 seperate teams to the Championships.

"We have kids from all over the state, no one region has dominated the team this year", said Dave Porter, the teams trainer and also a teacher at Wavell SHS in Brisbane.

UNDER 15 - Practice Game

NSW CHS U15

20 - 30

QLD U15 (M)

ACT U15

0 - 62

QLD U15 (W)

Queensland Maroon are the team that beat NSW CHS 30 - 20 and Queensland White, who smashed a poor ACT outfit 62 - 0 at Western Weekender Stadium on Wednesday night.

REP SEASON KICKING OFF AT WESTERN WEEKENDER STADIUM. Story By :
This year Queensland will be starting 2 teams in this years National Schoolboys Rugby League Tournament.

In the past, Queensland have been forced to pool all their Rugby League talent into 1 State team for each the Under 15 & Under 18 teams.

The Australian Under 15's National Championships are played between the 24 th - 28 th June in beautiful Adeliade, the City of churches.

The Qld Under 15's Maroon & White teams are at the NSWRL Academy of sport preparing for the National Championships.

The Queensland boys are finding the going tough in Sydney this week.

The boys from the sun shine state are all suprised that it is so cold down here, "some of these boys are from Townsville, Mackay and all over the state and they have never experienced 12 degrees in temprature before", said Dave Porter from Wavell SHS who is the trainer with the 15's squad.

The Queensland Under 15 teams play on Wednesday 20 th June at western Weekender Stadium at St. Mary with the Maroon team kicking off at 5:45 and the White team playing at 7:00 pm

So if you want to see some of the best junior footballers in the country playing, get out to Western Weekender Stadium on Wednesday afternoon and show your support.

Wednesday 13 th June '07

Rockhampton's Anthony Raymond will join the Queensland under-17 side when they play New South Wales to-night.

PLAYER OF FUTURE ON SCHOOL TIME-OUT
Story By :
WHILE his classmates are busy preparing for their mid-year exams, Rockhampton junior rugby league star Anthony Raymond is getting ready for the biggest night of his life.

The talented youngster will join the Queensland Under-17 team to play New South Wales at Telstra Stadium in Sydney tomorrow night in a curtain-raiser to State of Origin II.

Raymond, who will line up at full-back, flew down to Brisbane on Friday to go into camp with his team, before heading to Sydney yesterday to prepare for the big game.

U17 STATE REPS LIFT CURTAIN ON TALENT IN ENEMY TERRITORY
Story By :
PROMISING Mackay products Steve Eliott and Ryan Williamson will be pitched into the middle of enemy territory for tonight's State of Origin curtain-raiser in Sydney.

As part of the Queensland under 17 outfit, the duo will confront a willing New South Wales side and a passionate home crowd.

Although the venue was yet to be sold-out yesterday, more than 70,000 fans are still expected to cram into Telstra Stadium.

But an enthusiastic Eliott said he wouldn't be overawed by the throng of blue supporters in the bleachers.

"I'm going out there to enjoy the experience," he said after arriving with the team in Sydney yesterday.

"I know there's going to be a lot of noise from them (Blues supporters) but I'm going to have to try to block it out."

The Mackay State High student who plays for Brothers is likely to play on the opposite side of the paddock to Williamson, a bustling centre/back-rower who hails from St Patrick's College and club side Souths.

And Williamson said his team was shaping up to beat their inter-state rivals after training together for almost a week.

"I'm pretty nervous but that's natural for a game like this," Williamson said.

"We've been training well all week and we're looking sharp. We're pretty strong all over the park."

There are only three North Queenslanders in the Shane McNally-coached squad.

The other is Kirwan High talent and former Mackay Junior Rugby League player Chris Faust.

Faust is touted by former Mackay under 17 manager Brett Shaw as "an outstanding player".

As the brother of up-and-coming North Queensland Cowboys forward and former Proserpine junior Sam, Faust will knuckle down at lock for the Queensland under 17 side.

McNally, who is also head coach of Queensland Cup outfit Wynnum-Manly, said the youngsters would savour the experience.

"It's a big occasion for them and it's a game that they'll be able to look back on later in life and cherish," he said.

And he believed the Mackay boys deserved their place in the team and would have plenty to offer the young Maroons side.

"Steve's a proven try-scorer and knows how to find the line while Ryan's got a physical presence and I'll be looking for to him to use that strength."

Both of the boys' families will be in the crowd at Telstra Stadium for the big night of rugby league.

The curtain-raiser kicks off at 6pm and State of Origin II at 8pm.

fRIDAY 8 TH jUNE '07

SCHOOLBOYS PUT IN SOME SUPER EFFORTS ON PADDOCKStory By :
WHILE Mackay State High's open schoolboy side assured itself of a top-four finish in the coveted Super 8 serie

Visit Mackay SHS Rugby League page

s, the school's under 15 outfit swept into the final of the North Queensland Challenge.

Both sides brushed aside their Charters Towers opponents last week.

The under 15s will now tackle Cairns State High after the school holidays in a bid to be tagged as one of the best young sides in the north.

Coach Don McDermott said his team showed grit to overcome a disappointing first round 20-20 draw with Pioneer/Mirani to surge into top spot in their pool.

"We started off a bit slowly, probably because we didn't have any trials," he said.

"But we gained some momentum during the series and are starting to play some good football."

His side caused an upset by defeating competition favourites Kirwan 16-10 before thumping the Charters Towers combined schools outfit 38-6 at Ayr last week.

McDermott's side boasts a lethal halves combination in Capricornia captain Dylan Smith and Queensland representative Leon Curry, who was recently named as player of the tournament at the under 15 State Championships.

Fullback Ian Read offers plenty of promise and centre Rogan Dean is in fine form after snaring six tries in his last three appearances.

Fourteen-year-old prop Daniel Matsen is developing into a highly-rated forward. He ran 40m to score the match-winning try against Kirwan, beating the fullback and dragging defenders over the line.

Monday 28 th may '07

Arl Development Cup Cairns,
Jones Park, Cdjrl Grounds, Mann St
Due To Ground Conditions, All Games Scheduled For This Wednesday 30/5/07 Have Been Cancelled.
Competition Will Recommence On Wednesday 6/6/07.

After a disappointing draw with the combined Mirani/Pioneer High team in round one of the Schoolboy’s NORTH QUEENSLAND Cowboys U/ 15 Challenge, Mackay State High School Bounced back on their school oval today to record a morale boosting victory over rivals and competition favourites Kirwan High from Townsville.

Kirwan found themselves behind on the scoreboard early in the contest following a slick move which put Mackay High winger Buchanan Rawhiti over the line.

The try was converted by Mackay SHS’s half Dylan Smith to give the Home team an early lead.. Learn More

Friday 25 th may '07

Conratulations Dunamis !

HARD WORK REWARDED
Wavell High Rugby League Excellence student Dunamis Lui, has had his hard work rewarded, with his selection in The 18 years Queensland Secondary Schools Rugby League (Q.S.S.R.L) team to contest the prestigious National Titles in Townsville from the 9th to the 14th of July.

One of a number of Wavell High students representing the Metropolitan North Region at the 18 years schoolboy State Rugby League Titles at Dalby, Dunamis scooped the magic double by gaining selection in both the State 17's and the Q.S.S.R.L teams for 2007.

Well done to James Warr (1 try) on his tireless leadership throughout the game. Other tries to Kevin Bertrand and Shae Graham, with Ben Visser kicking three goals and one goal to Thomas Overington.

The scoreboard at full-time against Clairvaux at their home showed a 38-10 win to the Redcliffe boys, well worth the bus travel to the other side of town. This win continues their undefeated status.

Program Director Tony Guilfoyle’s latest hypotheses “Tough times makes tough people”, is being heavily tested. With a longer 50 min game to play this week, the Michael Hancock Cup team played Coombabah High School – a monster team.. Learn More

Tuesday 15 th MAy '07

PENINSULA U18 RUGBUY LEAGUE TEAM
Peninsula U18 Rugby League team are assembling from all over the region on Tuesday May 15 to prepare for the Qld U18 Schoolboys Championships which are held from May 17-20 in Dalby.

Hoping to better last year’s results of 5th place, the players will gather at Barlow Park to soak up the expert coaching of Australian Kangaroo Rep and schoolboys coaching legend Lionel Williamson and Level 3 Coach and QRL Development officer Peter Narducci.

Under the direction of Peninsula coach Rod Whittle of Weipa and experienced Manager Scott Whybird from Cooktown the players from as far as Weipa on the Cape to Tully in the south have players are readying themselves for the highest standard of Rugby League on offer to schoolboys.

The Peninsula boys will pit their skills against the like of Melbourne Storm’s Israel Folau and Brisbane Broncos’ David Taylor both of whom played at last year’s State Titles.

The team is bristling with talent and many of the players have already attracted attention in their short careers. Backing up from lat year’s championship are Theeran ‘Packy’ Pearson-Yeatman from Gordonvale SHS and Wilfred ‘Bala’ Jackonia from Western Cape College. Last year’s Peninsula Captain Pearson-Yeatman, who is still only 16yrs old, is fresh from NQ U17 duties and Jackonia from Weipa, is still on a high after playing for the Qld U16 Indigenous side in Sydney and Brisbane late last year.

Other players to watch are Ivanhoes’ team-mates, second rower Jack Cooper from Smithfield SHS who recently signed with the Cowboys and robust hooker James Segeyaro, who is linked with South Sydney. Saint Augustine’s front rower, Reginald Saunders is another with enormous potential and will be vital with his size, skill and speed.

Trainer Michelle Thorburn also from Weipa brings expertise to the group in the management and treatment of the bumps and bruises which are part and parcel of four intense games in four days, a schedule that would have their NRL counterparts reeling.

For the first time the players are going into a State of Origin style training camp in preparation for the games and CDRL champion Pat Bailey has come to the assistance of the players as has Foley Shield legend Tom Tassell.

Peninsula’s first game is against Wide Bay and the result from that game is vital as a win determines continuing in the top half of the draw. The team is confident and ready for a strong showing and welcome any support at Barlow Park on Tuesday.

QSSRL U 15's COMP RUNS LIKE CLOCKWORKStory& Photos By :
The Burleigh Bears’ Pizzey Park on Qlds Gold Coast played home away from home field for the Struddys Sports 15 years & Under State Rugby League Championships from Thursday 10 – Sunday 13 May.

The QSSRL committee presented an excellently organised carnival like schoolboy footy fans have come to expect.

Qlds usual big name rugby league schools including Keebral Park, Redcliffe, Wavell, Mackay State High School, Mountain Creek State High School and Palm Beach Currumbin were heavily represented.

Naming rights sponsor Struddys Sports held prime supporters real estate for one of its portable supporters stalls overlooking the main playing field.. Learn More

SELECTORS BREAK WITH TRADITION Story By : SELECTORS will break with 30 years of tradition when the 2007 Queensland Secondary Schools Under 15 Rugby League Carnival kicks off on the Gold Coast tomorrow.

Set to run from Thursday until Sunday, the QSSRL 15s carnival will be held at Pizzey Park, Miami, home of the Burleigh Bears.

For the first time Queensland selectors will pick two teams from the Carnival to represent the State at the upcoming National Titles in South Australia in June.

In previous years Queensland has only been represented by one team on the national scene, while New South Wales has effectively had four teams – NSW Combined Catholic Colleges, NSW Combined High Schools, NSW Combined Independent Schools and the ACT.

“We figure there’s roughly the same number of schoolkids playing rugby league in Queensland as in New South Wales, so why should we only have one team?” QSSRL Secretary Phil Hall said.

“Queensland – and more importantly the kids – deserves a greater opportunity.

“Looking at the talent this year, I don’t think it’s a bad year to enter two teams either. The player pool up here is pretty good right now.”

Queensland will not copy its southern counterparts and split teams on private and public grounds, but will rather name a full-strength side and a Queensland White team.

Former South Queensland Crushers, Gold Coast Seagulls and Toowoomba Clydesdales player Don Saunders will coach the full-strength Queensland team, while ex Easts Tigers player Wayne Adams will coach Queensland White.

YOUNG TALENT TIME COMES TO ROCKYStory By : Chris Garry
THE QRL State Under 17 and Under 19 Carnival kicks off on the Labour Day long weekend, with players from across the state hoping to play their way into a Suncorp Stadium experience.

The carnival runs for two days on May 5th and 6th with the best players in each age group selected to form two representative teams to take on NSW and Papua New Guinea in curtain-raisers to State of Origin Game I at Suncorp Stadium.

The XXXX Queensland Under 19 team to play New South Wales Under 19 will include players within the NRL system, while the XXXX Queensland Maroons Under 19 team will be comprised with players exclusively from the carnival.

The South East Queensland Poinsettias won both age groups last year and will be keen to defend their titles.

Already 2006 carnival attendees Jackson Nicolou and Israel Folau have graduated to play in the NRL this year.

TJ Faagutu and Chris Faust

STUDENTS CHASE MAROON JERSEYSStory By : ADAM WATKIN
KIRWAN High students TJ Faagutu and Chris Faust are out to prove they are far from amateurs in their chosen sport of rugby league.

After many years of early morning training sessions, the pair will throw it all on the line for potential selection in the Queensland Schoolboys rugby league squad.

Both players will represent North Queensland in the second row at the Queensland Schoolboys Rugby League Championships in Dalby from May 17-20.

Most players competing at the championships will be out to impress for potential playing contracts, with all National Rugby League club set to be represented by their respective scouts.

Faust, who is already contracted to the North Queensland Cowboys, will want to make the State team just like his older brother (Young Guns forward) Sam did in 2002.. Learn More

TULLY SHS KICK FIELD GOAL WITH 1 MINUTE TO GOStory By :
The Under 18's semi final was almost over with only one minute to go when Tully SHS went on the attack and had a successful long range shot at a drop goal, the only problem was that Tully were 30 Nil down at the time.

St. Augustines boys were flabbagastered to see their 80 minutes of solid defence to record a solitary point scored against them as they advanced to the Under 18's Grand Final where they will play Woree SHS of the 2007 Cowboys Challenge.

In the Under 15's Semi final Innisvale & Cairns SHS's will play in this years Grand Final, Undefeated Bentley Parks SHS look the team to beat as they have accounted for all comers up to this stage of the Under 13 Championship, and Cairns SHS have that opportunity on Friday 27th April.

We wish all team and people involved next Friday night the best of luck, and yes Tully did kick a field goal at 30 points down with 1 min left, a sense of humour on that team, but they will be ready for a golden point game sometime soon.. Learn More

BLACKMAN IS HAPPY TO GET THE LEAGUE BLUESStory By : By Richard Harvey
Maryborough’s Barry Blackman would love to play rugby league wearing the maroon of Queensland one day but he’s quite happy to wear sky blue in the meantime.

The 16-year-old Blackman will tour England and France in December with the New South Wales Rugby League Young Achievers squad.

Blackman, who played all his junior football for Wallaroos before heading north to finish his education at St Brendan’s College in Yeppoon last year, earned his Blues call-up after impressing during the under 18 Inter State Challenge at Nyngan.

Blackman played for the combined Far West Academy of Sport and Central Queensland team which won one of its three games during the Challenge.

SHIELD SQUAD PACKED WITH TALENTStory By Adam Watkin ROCKHAMPTON
THE under-17 Townsville Foley Shield side will battle it out with Mackay this Saturday to begin their bid for regional rugby league supremacy.

This season the Townsville under-17 side looks very strong and includes several North Queensland Cowboys-contracted players and Wests Tigers scholarship-holders.

Townsville coach Glenn Morgan said the selection of his side was a very difficult process because of the amount of depth shown in the local region.

"There's probably 40 kids out there that deserved selection in this side but you've got to draw the line somewhere," Glenn Morgan said.

The Foley Shield has been a central part of North Queensland's rugby league culture and includes matches between Townsville, Mackay and Cairns.

"There's plenty of passion there in the team to do well in the competition and against Mackay so hopefully later on in the year we can get a grand final in Townsville," Morgan said.

"We're pretty confident that we'll win. I've picked the side on defence."

Former Australian under-15 representative Ben Morgan looks set for a solid game while lock Chris Faust has been moved to five-eighth for the match.

The Townsville side also includes Wests Tigers Scholarship holders Chris Eade (prop) and Simeon Fuller (centre).

"There is quite a lot of talent in the side," Morgan said. "We've also picked a lot of untouched talent that deserved to be chosen many years ago but they were never picked.

Codie Close - he's a fullback from Centrals and I think he is a talented, safe and reliable ball player."

Morgan said his side would head to Ayr this Saturday with a simple game plan.

"Our main focus will be on defence and a quick play-the-ball," he said. "I expect Mackay to come out with plenty of fire, so in the end the game will be won on how well we defend."

READY TO TACKLE TRIALS Story By : ADAM WATKIN (Townsville Bulletin)
REPRESENTATIVE spots will go on the line today when the Townsville A Open Schoolboys rugby league team competes at the North Queensland trials at Kern Brothers Drive.

Despite limited preparation, Townsville A players look set to dominate the final make-up of the North Queensland side if previous years' trials are anything to go by.

The twin cities' depth and added interest in rugby league was on show last week when more than 60 players trialled for selection in two Townsville teams.

A strong Townsville A team was selected which includes North Queensland Cowboys contracted players Ray Thompson (halfback), Jared Huston (centre) and Chris Faust (second row).

Townsville A coach Dave Ackers said his side had trained well since last Thursday and believed he had very talented players right through the whole team.

"We're pretty confident that we'll perform well," Ackers said.

"I mean, if they (Townsville A) come out and dominate Charters Towers in the first game, then they'll get a fairly good representation in the North Queensland side."

Teams from Proserpine, Bowen and Burdekin will also compete at the trials, their players also hungry for selection in the North Queensland side.

The Townsville B side will be in for a competitive match when they take on Ingham.

KEVIN WALTER’S CUP – TRIALSStory & Photos By : By Kirsty Fields (Redcliffe SHS)
07/03 Redcliffe State High School beat Keebra Park SHS at Dolphin Oval in the first round of the Broncos Challenge Year 10 competition - Kevin Walters Cup. A fantastic home game to showcase as the beginning of the Redcliffe High season.

Redcliffe down at half-time, 18-6 courageously fought back in the final minutes of the second half to take the lead for the first time in the match. Defending well in the final 5 minutes to hold Keebra Park out at 22-18.

Coach Michael Roberts was pleased with the Year 10 boys first game of the season. “Playing against one of the leading rugby league schools in South-East Qld is always slightly more of a concern, and for the first game of the season I was impressed with the boys efforts”.

WAVELL QUALIFY FOR 2007 BIG 6
A convincing first half try feast against Marsden SHS, allowed Wavell High to Qualify for the Broncos Challenge Big 6 competition for 2007.

Stripped back to the first 3 finishing schools from 2006 Wavell found itself having to qualify for the Big 6 competition for the first time since its inception.

After a first qualifying game defeat by Sunnybank SHS Wavell had an inspired second qualifying game come from behind win over newcomers Cavendish Road at Carina.

The third Qualifying game saw Wavell play some outstanding attacking football to lead their opponents 22 points to nil at half time with a 2 try hall to backrower Ben Barr.

A somewhat diminished intensity in the second half allowed Marsden to score before Wavell consolidated the win with a final late try out wide with Jacob"Charlie" Samoa converting a fifth goal from six attempts for the day.

2007 Cowboys Challenge draw for under 13's, 15's and 18's secondary schoolboys.
We might need to have a look at this draw and see if there is any clashes with club commitments for the players. Questions??

Continuing a successful relationship between the two organisations, this season will see another four youngsters make the trek from the tropics to BMD Kougari Oval.

Their aim will to be to further their respective careers in a stable environment that pushes talented players to excel and hopefully break through to the NRL ranks.

With the looming introduction of the National 20s competition, even more emphasis will be placed on these players as club look to fill their rosters for 2008.

Cody Gray, Guy Ford, Jake Granville and George Jarrett follow in the footsteps of previous Seagulls scholarship players to come out of Yeppoon such as Tom Hewitt, Luke Smith, BJ Thomas and Brendan O'Neill.

Hewitt, a former FOGS Colts Challenge Player of the Year, is now with the St George Illawarra Dragons, while the other three continue to serve the Seagulls with distinction.

The Seagulls Scholarship program provides accommodation, a traineeship and a chance to further careers. Players live right behind the club and train and work within a stone’s throw of the ground.

In all it is a welcoming environment for regional players.. Learn More

DREAMTIME OF A LITTLE MASTERBy Paul Kent in Bradford CHRIS Sandow is the little five-eighth with the magician's instincts, one from a small Aboriginal community in Queensland. It's early in the tour and wherever he goes he is having trouble being understood.
"Everything I say I have to repeat," he says, a little stumped by it.
Forget about his first trip to England, which he is making now as part of the Australian Schoolboys, Sandow is making his first proper trip anywhere.. Learn More

ARL Development Cup WINNER 2006. Congratulations to KRUGER SS on being the 2006 ARL Development Cup Champions. Kruger SS defeated Moranbah SS 36pts to nil. Kruger SS lead 28pts to nil at half time.A big thankyou to the Principals and staff of both schools for their support of their teams.Qld Primary School Rugby League looks forward to continuing the very successful partnership with QRL & ARL Development in 2007